The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs celebrated South Africa’s brightest young football talent, with Kaizer Chiefs Boys crowned Under-18 Boys champions after a 3-0 victory over East High Boys Academy, while Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies claimed the Under-20 Girls title with a dominant, unbeaten campaign.
07 October 2026 – The future of South African football was on full display at the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs as the country’s most talented young footballers battled for national honours, with Kaizer Chiefs Boys and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies emerging as deserving champions.
For years, the Engen Champ of Champs has been recognised as one of South Africa’s premier youth football tournaments, providing a platform for aspiring footballers to test themselves against the nation’s best while taking important steps towards their sporting ambitions. More than a competition, the tournament continues to play a vital role in strengthening South Africa’s football development pathway and highlighting the impact of school sport in shaping future stars.
This year’s edition once again brought together the country’s leading school and academy teams in a celebration of talent, determination, and opportunity, reaffirming why the tournament is proudly known as “Where Diski Legends Start.”
Kaizer Chiefs Boys Lead the Next Generation of Champions
Kaizer Chiefs Boys once again proved why they are regarded as a powerhouse in school football, producing a dominant 3-0 victory over East High Boys Academy in the Under-18 Boys final.
Their return to the summit, having last lifted the trophy in 2024, highlights the club’s continued commitment to nurturing future stars and setting the benchmark for youth development in South African football.
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Set the Benchmark for Success
The Under-20 Girls competition belonged to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who produced one of the tournament’s most dominant campaigns.
The Tshwane side won all six of their matches without conceding a single goal before sealing a convincing 2-0 victory over RV United in the final to reclaim the crown.
Beyond the results, the tournament once again highlighted the power of school sport to create opportunities, inspire communities, and provide young athletes with a pathway to fulfil their football dreams.
Thando Bakumeni, Head of SuperSport Schools, said:
“The Engen Champ of Champs represents the very best school sport. It provides young footballers with a platform to test themselves against top talent from across the country while showing the opportunities that sport can create,” said Bakumeni.
“Competitions like this play an important role in developing future stars, inspiring communities, and strengthening the pathway from grassroots football to the professional game.”
Individual Excellence Takes Centre Stage
The tournament also celebrated the outstanding individuals who delivered exceptional performances throughout the competition.
For Kaizer Chiefs Boys, Malibongwe Mshali proved instrumental in his side’s title-winning campaign. His clinical finishing and consistent performances earned him both the Under-18 Boys Player of the Tournament and Striker of the Tournament awards.
Chiefs’ dominance was further reflected in the individual honours, with Tashiel Rugananan named Defender of the Tournament, while Lebohang Dlamini claimed the Midfielder of the Tournament accolade following a series of impressive displays throughout the competition.
Despite falling short in the final, East High Boys Academy enjoyed a memorable tournament. Head coach Lesley Netshivembe was recognised as Coach of the Tournament, while the academy also claimed the Fair Play Team Award for its discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship.
Sundowns Stars Shine Bright
In the girls’ competition, Lebogang Buthane emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. The Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies forward capped off a remarkable campaign by securing both the Player of the Tournament and Top Goalscorer awards, underlining her influence during the side’s unbeaten run to the title.
Sundowns Ladies’ success was further highlighted by Sethabile Kwamwande, who was named Defender of the Tournament, while Siphesihle Magazi received the Midfielder of the Tournament award following a series of influential performances throughout the tournament.
For RV United, Bilquies Salie was rewarded for her outstanding displays with the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, while head coach Vuyolwethu Kayi was recognised as Coach of the Tournament after guiding his side to an impressive runners-up finish.
While Kaizer Chiefs Boys and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies leave as champions, the true success of the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs lies in the opportunities created for hundreds of young footballers to pursue their dreams. As South Africa’s future stars return to their schools, academies and communities, the tournament once again proved why it is proudly known as “Where Diski Legends Start.”
